Tickets are now on sale for the ever popular Dorchester Beerex held in Dorchester Corn Exchange on Friday February 1 and Saturday February 2 December, organised by West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Casterbridge Rotary Club.

Organisers would like to welcome back Palmers Brewery of Bridport as the festival's main sponsor for the 5th consecutive year.

Palmers has been brewing in the heart of Dorset since 1794 and the full range of Palmers ales will be available to sample.

In total there will be a selection of 80 ales and the largest range of ciders ever to grace the festival.

Sales and marketing director Cleeves Palmer said: "We are delighted to sponsor Dorchester Beerex for the 5th year; it is a great coming-together of ale lovers from across Dorset and further afield.

"I congratulate the enthusiastic team that organises the event and gives people a lot of pleasure while raising much-needed funds for good local causes.

"This year, the festival's main charity is Fortuneswell Cancer Trust, a voluntary organisation that works to improve services to patients at Dorset County Hospital's cancer unit.

With one in two people affected by cancer we are sure that you will agree it is a very worthwhile cause that helps so many local people."

Volunteer Fortuneswell Cancer Trust chairman Paul Ryan said: “Without the support from events like Beerex we could not do the work we do, nor could the hospital give extra support to both patients and staff. Money raised from Beerex will help give additional specialist training to nurses and help fund vital equipment”

Organisers say a new improved bar layout in the Corn Exchange and extra seating in the town hall upstairs will provide a much more relaxed experience for customers and faster service at the bar.

Lunchtime opening hours are 11am until the later time of 4pm.

Evening hours are 6:30pm until 11.30pm.

Beerex committee member Rich Gabe said: "The Friday evening session is the perfect way to wind down after a week’s work, take the weight off your feet and enjoy the full range of 80 beers and ciders, while conversation and banter rule the night.

"There is no music on the Friday however a local band will be providing the Saturday night party atmosphere we have come to expect.”

Tickets will be on sale from Saturday December 1.

Organisers say they make a great stocking filler, are priced at £10 per session and include a glass, colour programme and two halves of beer.

Tickets will be available from the Bakers Arms and Convivial Rabbit pubs in Dorchester along with the Brace of Butchers shop, Poundbury.

In Weymouth they can be purchased from the Dog House micropub in Great George Street.

Tickets are also available online: www.camrawdorset.org.uk. For up to date information visit www.beerex.co.uk